The state is expecting a rise in the number of visitors this Labor Day, the most it has welcomed in years. More than a half million people from out of state are expected.

Even on a foggy Wednesday night at Hampton Beach, thousands of people were starting the holiday early. The weekend will cap off a season-long beach party in Hampton.

AAA predicts more than 34 million Americans will travel for the holiday weekend, up more than 4 percent from 2012. New Hampshire is expecting 545,000 visitors – a 2 percent increase from last year – and they are expected to spend $78 million.

A post-recession boom has more people willing to fill their gas tanks and spend their money for a slice of summer, travel experts said.

“I like a lot of people around and I don’t mind tourists, so come on down,” said one New Hampshire resident.

“Glad they’re coming to our beaches, so it’s good,” said another resident.

“We’re lucky we live in New Hampshire – Hampton Beach, the mountains, the lakes, we have everything,” a resident said.

“I knew it was going to get busier as the weekend goes, but I’ll be fine,” said Kathy Piteo of Connecticut.

Police are also putting out the welcome sign and prepared to keep an eye on bigger crowds.